WANT-AWAY Player of the Season Don Hutchison suffered stinging verbal abuse when angry supporters turned on him at half-time during Sunderland's 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town at the Stadium of Light.

The 30-year-old Scottish international, who was suspended for the Premiership opener, had been watching the game from the seat just in front of the Press box with guests and other players not in the first team squad.

But as he made his way through the concourse to the players' lounge during the interval he became the target for hostile remarks from a section of supporters queueing for drinks at the bar; fans who were clearly unhappy about the Tynesider's change of heart about not wanting to leave the club.

Now it seems that Hutchison, whose London-born wife is said to be having difficulty in settling in the North-East, looks set to leave, with one of his former clubs, West Ham United, at the head of the queue.

Hard-line Sunderland manager Peter Reid, who has proved in the past that he is not afraid to shift players who do not toe the line, has admitted that he might be forced to part with Hutchison, now valued at around £5m.

Reid confirmed at the weekend: "I've never been a great believer in keeping anyone who's unhappy, but the deal has got to be right for Sunderland Football Club - if there is a deal."

There has been speculation that West Ham will offer previous Sunderland target, winger Trevor Sinclair, in a £5m straight swap for Hutchison, who is also attracting interest from Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic and Glasgow Rangers.

His last game for Sunderland could be at Craven Cottage tomorrow night against Premiership newcomers Fulham.

Reid has made it clear that uncertainty about midfielder Hutchison's future will not affect his chances of playing in the first team.

Reid said: "I would love to have Don in my side against Fulham - he is a player I want in."

Hutchison still has three years to run on his current contract with Sunderland, and said recently he would love to spend the rest of his playing days at the Wearside club.

But he angered supporters last week by admitting that "things change", hinting that he was at a stage of his career where he could be tempted to move on.

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